Gertie's Gravid!

[Garter_Gertie]

So, basically, just 'warm' temps? Huh. Wadd'ya know!

Thanks! Just want to make sure I do this right.

[Garter_Gertie]

One Week From Today My Boys Will Be Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jitami]

How Fun! I'm so excited for you! At least it wasn't a 9 month gestation! Or even a 90 day garter gestation!

[Garter_Gertie]

Thanks, Tami. But Kenabec's is a 10 week or so gestation. Can't wait to get him, either!

[Garter_Gertie]

Okay. To the best of my knowledge Peepers and Jeepers are Common Eastern gaters, Themnophis sirtalis sirtalis. But they're brown vs. Winnie's black and greenish cream.

Would you guys please verify what Peepers (spotted) and Jeepers (striped) are and give me links to where I can learn about them. I know they're native NY snakes, and that's about it. Dekay, would you be able to post a pic o'The Boys again?

The reason I want this info is to be able to talk intelligently about P&J and why they're different from Winnie even though they're the same species and (?) subspecies of snake. And how they're alike. I want to be able to contrast and compare them to the park's visitors.

THANKS!!!

P.S. ONLY FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zephyr]

From the pics I saw they both look like true blue Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis. Coloration varies with many things, and around Michigan I've seen it mainly being genetics as opposed to environmental influence. I suppose the stripe on the back would tend to be more visible in populations with a high predator influence, as it's main use is to confuse the predator on how fast the snake is really moving. Snakes with more subdued dorsal stripes tend to come from areas where sitting and avoiding contact with predators is more prevalent, seeing as the blended color of their back helps them blend in more than a huge bright stripe.
This is what I can offer on the topic.

[Garter_Gertie]

Thanks, Zephyr!

[infernalis]

here you go MK more pictures.





I moved them both to indavidual housing tonight and fed them one last meal before shipping.

[Garter_Gertie]

OMG. "... before shipping." I've got *sparklies* and am already a nervous wreck.

Peepers is gorgeous. I love the spots, so different from Winnie and Jeepers. Jeepers looks like a brown version o'Winnie.

Sat I'll be up no later than 6:00 AM and will be pacing immediately!

Jeepers' nose is shorter. He has less of a 'happy' face. His reticince shows...

I'm a nervous wreck.

[Garter_Gertie]

After today, only TWO more days! I can't wait!